CA wildfires prompt evacuations

Winds whip Santa Barbara area wildfires, as firefighters work to keep flames from other homes.

BY ZACH HOFFMAN | SANTA BARBARA, CA |
August 12, 2009

Wildfires in Santa Barbara County expanded late Tuesday, forcing the Sheriff’s Office to issue a mandatory Evacuation Order for 14 ranches, according to county officials.

More than 1,000 firefighting personnel are engaged in combating the La Brea fires, which are now estimated at 21,029 acres.

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District are asking residents to use common sense regarding smoke when wildfires are burning.

“If you smell smoke, be cautious and use common sense to protect your family’s health. Everyone, especially people with heart or lung disease (including asthma), older adults, and children, should limit time spent outdoors, and avoid outdoor exercise when smoke can be smelled,” a spokesperson said.